Aspatria hosted Keswick on Saturday 9th December in a first versus second top of the table fixture. With 4 of the 7 North Lancs/Cumbria fixtures postponed, as well as Keswick 2nd XV’s home game, this was a much anticipated match that drew a large crowd to Aspatria’s Bower Park.

From the kick-off it was clear that both sides were intent on playing attacking rugby and also that they were evenly matched, though the larger home pack had a weight advantage that showed in the early scrums. With both sets of backs keen to run the ball wide the spectators were treated to some excellent running rugby but it all too often ended in a knock forward or a fumble, giving away possession. Aspatria’s dominance in the first 20 minutes was met by stout Keswick defence and it was some time before the home team was forced onto the defensive in its own 22. Driving runs by both sets of forwards, gave field position before the ball was passed to the backs, but each attack was met by well prepared defensive lines.

With such evenly matched teams it took a penalty to Keswick to open the scoring, converted by Muir for a slim 0-3 lead halfway through the first half. But as half time beckoned, Aspatria pressure gold and they ran the ball left from a line-out in the 22, finally breaking through the Keswick defence for their left wing, Noutch, to cross in the corner for an unconverted try to take the lead 5-3 at half time.

The second half started with a determined Aspatria attacking hard again and it was only a few minutes into the half when their pack finished a rolling maul by crossing the line for a try, subsequently converted to extend their lead to 12-3. Keswick responded with good running play but were unable to break the home team’s line. The Keswick pack found their rhythm as the half progressed and made good use of the rolling maul to move upfield. However, this was a day for kicking from hand and a number of promising attacks ended with kicks upfield, which usually served only to give away possession.

Play was evenly matched until during an Aspatria attack a Keswick defender was judged to have deliberately knocked on when attempting an interception and was yellow carded. From the line-out a good rolling maul was disrupted and possession changed hands again. This was followed by another exchange of kicks, both from hand and from penalties, interspersed with good back play, but again for both sides pressure was relieved in defence with attackers too often knocking on. When players were tackled and went to ground there was good rucking play from both sides, occasionally producing essential turnover ball.

More good driving play combined with hard running from the backs allowed Aspatria to gain from their one man advantage by driving over to score on the right. The conversion rebounded from the right hand post but the lead was now 17-3 with 20 minutes of the half gone. Keswick responded with a good 20 metre rolling maul, collapsed by Aspatria 15 metres from their own line and they were lucky only to be sanctioned with a penalty.

The last 20 minutes of the game was all Keswick’s, desperate defence by Aspatria costing them a yellow card and Keswick were stopped just short on a number of occasions before finally crossing the line but adjudged not to have been able to touch the ball down. Another yellow card for Aspatria on 30 minutes was followed by a good run through the backs for Bunting to score on the left to bring the score to 17-8; a conversion would have given Keswick a losing bonus but it was not to be as the ball went wide.

Despite further pressure Keswick were unable to score again and a relieving kick to touch gave the game and the points to Aspatria. On balance they deserved the win, though the try score of 3-1 flattered the home side and the fact that at one stage they were reduced to 13 players is a good indication of the pressure they were under. With 4 games lost to the weather on the day, the result lifts Aspatria to top spot, and Keswick drop to second. Next Saturday will see Keswick at home to fourth placed Oldham whilst Aspatria are away to Bolton who secured a surprise home win against Tarleton.